3.8% Real Estate Sales Tax goes into effect 2013 – Part of Health Care Bill?

Posted on 06. Nov, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection

November 5th, 2010 UPDATE: Confusion and conversation continues to swirl around the 3.8% medicare tax that goes into affect on January 1st, 2013.  Yes, there has been a lot of misinformation circulated about this tax. The National Association of Realtors® just released an 11 page informational booklet that explains this tax very well. Here’s a snippet: [...]

Realtor and Loan Officer Communication is so IMPORTANT!

Posted on 23. Sep, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection

Purchasing a home is a big deal, it’s a huge purchase and a life altering transaction. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it is going to be stress free but it will be worth it. It has been said a million times but working with a great Realtor and a great Loan Officer will make [...]

FHA Condo Approval can cause headaches

Posted on 31. Aug, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection, FHA Home Loan

FHA Condo approval nightmares are haunting me from a scenario I just encountered. Although we successfully navigated the stormy seas, Just as I did with the insurance requirements for FHA condominiums, I wanted to share this with you so that you are aware should this happen to you. Do you know if the condo you [...]

Big Bank Bites Itself in the Butt: Why You Should Use a Small Lender

Posted on 25. Aug, 2010 by Christopher "Doc" Apodaca in Consumer Protection

Those of you who know me or have read my blog know that Big Bank is evil in my eyes (Read “Brenda Borrower Gets Buffed by Big Bank). Big Bank has manipulated politicians and legislators alike in order to form a consortium against competition.

Deceptive Advertising up as Interest Rates Drop

Posted on 09. Aug, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection

Back in the “hey day” of deceptive predatory lending, advertisements lured unsuspecting homeowners into horrible loans.

Well, they are back and deceptive as ever. Do they really think we don’t know any better?

Hiring a bad lender can be avoided by doing your homework

Posted on 04. Aug, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection

Hiring a lender is something that most home buyers do not think about.  Most often, a lender is recommended by your agent. A lender recommended from your real estate agent can be a gift of good or a gift of…uh…let’s say “not so good”. Maybe it’s because the rates have been really low for the [...]

Psychology of Buying: A Guide to Homebuyer Stress

Posted on 18. Jun, 2010 by Christopher "Doc" Apodaca in Consumer Protection

Stress is everywhere. At home, in relationships, work…it goes on and on. When you decide to purchase a home you’re choosing to get on an emotional roller coaster. You are asking for stress! The more prepared you are mentally, the more enjoyable your process will be. That said, let’s talk a little bit about the [...]

“Subject to” interior inspection means buying blind

Posted on 17. May, 2010 by Johanna Sicat in Consumer Protection

Buying “Subject to” is something I’ve been coming across more frequently when representing home buyers as a Real Estate Agent–Properties that are listed, and can’t be viewed–At least until you write an offer. Yes, I said it. There are properties listed that can’t be viewed, until you’ve actually written an offer. From my experience, the [...]

Hiring a Real Estate Agent – My Top 10 List of What to Look Out For

Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by Johanna Sicat in Consumer Protection

Hiring a Real Estate Agent is one of the most critical decisions you can make in the home buying process. Although there are many great opportunities to buy a home in today’s market, the number one complaint I hear from frustrated first time home buyers is how their home buying experience has been a complete [...]

Short Sales Recorded Webinar: How to Not Get Burned Buying Short Sales

Posted on 14. Apr, 2010 by Scott Schang in Consumer Protection, Video Library

Short Sales are King in 2010 With the introduction of HAFA in April, 2010 there is now the very strong possibility that short sales will become more prominent in the 2010. I’ve predicted that with the possible increase in foreclosures and short sales in 2010 that prices may begin to drop. That would be great [...]